The Lion and the Jewel
Drama
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Wole Soyinka
The Lion and the Jewel Main Text
MORNING
A clearing on the edge of the market, dominated by an immense 'odan' tree. It is the
village centre. The wall of the bush school flanks the stage on the right, and a rude
window opens on to the stage from the wall. There is a chant of the 'Arithmetic Times'
issuing from this window. It begins a short while before the action begins. Sidi enters from
left, carrying a small pail of water on h...
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The Lion and the Jewel Themes
Tradition versus Modernization: The central conflict in the play is the struggle between traditional African values and Western modernization. Baroka, the Bale (chief) of Ilujinle, represents cultural tradition. He values the old ways of life. He sees the village as a place where these traditions must be preserved. Lakunle, on the other hand, is the village schoolteacher and a symbol of modernizat...
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The Lion and the Jewel Characters
Main Characters
Sidi: Sidi is the beautiful young woman of the village. Everyone admires her looks. Both Baroka and Lakunle want to marry her. She represents the fight between old traditions and new, modern ideas.
Baroka: Baroka is the clever and charming chief of the village. He uses his smart thinking to get what he wants. He wants to marry Sidi. He wants this both for love and to keep his power...
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The Lion and the Jewel Literary Device
Figure of Speech
Symbol: A symbol is something that represents a larger idea or concept. In the play, “The Lion and the Jewel” The lion symbolizes Baroka’s strength, cunning, and dominance as the traditional leader. The jewel symbolizes Sidi’s beauty, youth, and value in the village. Together, the title symbolizes the struggle between tradition (Baroka) and modernization (Sidi).
Image: Imagery is...
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The Lion and the Jewel Key Info
Full Title: The Lion and the Jewel
Written Date: 1959
Where Written: Leeds, England
Published Date: First performed in 1959, published in 1962.
Literary Period: Postcolonial African Diaspora
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Time Setting: late 1950s
Place Setting: Ilujunle, a rural Nigerian village.
Climax: When Sidi reveals that Baroka raped her
Antagonist: Baroka; rapid modernization
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The Lion and the Jewel Quotes
"You are as stubborn / As an illiterate goat."
Perspective: Lakunle’s view reflects his frustration with Sidi’s resistance to his modern ideas. Although he claims to believe in equality, this insult shows his belief in women’s inferiority.
Reason: Lakunle feels superior because of his Western education, and when Sidi refuses to follow his ideals, he lashes out with insults. This exposes his hypocr...
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The Lion and the Jewel Summary
The play The Lion and the Jewel is mainly divided into three parts: morning, noon, and night. So, let's read this drama according to the summary section.
Morning
Sidi and Lakunle’s Argument: Sidi walks near the school in her village, Ilujinle. She carries a pail of water on her head. Lakunle, the young schoolteacher, comes outside and tries to help her. However, he spills the water on himself. Th...
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Notes
Explore 14 detailed notes related to The Lion and the Jewel. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.